Things to Do in Melbourne in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Melbourne
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
76°F (24°C)
High Temp
54°F (12°C)
Low Temp
2.1 inches (53 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Severe UV exposure - index reaches 8-9, use SPF 50+ and reapply every 2 hours
⚠ Afternoon storms explode overhead. Intense rain and lightning follow. Seek shelter inside a building. Never wait it out under trees.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Early summer warmth arrives with beach weather on the cards. St Kilda Beach hits 20°C+ water temps by mid-month. Pack your swimmers. The bay finally feels like the Mediterranean.
- + Christmas season flips the city switch to festive. Myer's famous window displays draw families. Federation Square markets sell mulled wine under palms. The combo feels surreal.
- + Australian Open qualifying tournaments start late December. Watch future champions for free at Melbourne Park. Court 3 seats fill fast. Bring a hat.
- + End of school year means locals bolt for the coast. City attractions stay pleasantly uncrowded on weekdays. Trains empty. Galleries quiet.
Considerations
- − UV index peaks at 8-9. Sunburn happens in 15 minutes without protection. Even cloudy days bite. Reapply often.
- − Christmas week (Dec 23-Jan 2) brings peak accommodation prices. Restaurants book out weeks ahead. Budget triple. Eat early.
- − Afternoon thunderstorms roll through 40% of days. They hit typically 3-5pm. Plans drown. Carry a jacket.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Yarra River Kayaking Tours
December's warm evenings make twilight paddles ideal. You'll glide past Southbank's Christmas lights while the river stays glass-calm thanks to low winds. Water temperatures reach 19°C (66°F), warm enough for the occasional splash. The 90-minute tours depart at 6pm when UV drops but it's still 22°C (72°F).
Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for December slots. Locals buy these as Christmas gifts. Morning tours are calmer but less atmospheric. Evening glow wins.
Mornington Peninsula Wine Tours
Summer harvest starts in December. You'll see grapes being picked at Red Hill and Merricks estates. The peninsula runs 10°C cooler than Melbourne city, making cellar door visits comfortable. Morning fog lifts by 10am, leaving clear 24°C (75°F) afternoons good for vineyard restaurants.
Booking Tip: Weekend slots fill first week of December. Office Christmas parties claim tables. Tuesday-Thursday offers better access to winemakers. They'll often pour experimental batches.
St Kilda Beach Swimming
By mid-December, bay water hits 19-20°C (66-68°F). swimmable without a wetsuit. The beach faces west, giving you sunset swims at 8:30pm. Christmas week brings the Brighton Beach Boxes art installation. 80 painted boat sheds that Instagrammers queue for.
Booking Tip: Swim between the yellow-red flags. St Kilda has unpredictable currents. The breakwater creates a natural pool at low tide. Good for weaker swimmers.
Queen Victoria Market Night Tours
December Wednesdays transform the market into a summer night festival. 60 food stalls, live music, and 25°C (77°F) evenings. Try Victorian cherries (in season) and watch butchers break down whole lambs at the traditional stalls. The deli section stays open until 10pm.
Booking Tip: Arrive 6pm for tastings before crowds peak. Bring cash for the older European deli vendors. They still don't accept cards. Line early.
Phillip Island Penguin Wildlife Tours
December is penguin chick season. You'll see parent birds returning with fish at sunset. The island's 25,000 fur seal colony is most active in summer, with pups learning to swim. Daylight lasts until 8:45pm, giving you extended wildlife viewing in comfortable 22°C (72°F) weather.
Booking Tip: Book island accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead for December. Only 200 beds exist. The penguin parade has 3 viewing platforms. The underground option gets you eye-level with the birds but costs more.
Street Art Walking Tours
Long December days give you natural light until 8:30pm for photography. Hosier Lane's famous works look different every hour as shadows shift. Summer heat brings artists out early. You'll likely catch someone painting live between 7-9am before temperatures hit 24°C (75°F).
Booking Tip: Start 8am to beat tour buses. Bring water. Hosier Lane has no shade and the concrete reflects heat. December's low rain probability means you won't get caught in Hosier's tendency to flood.
Where to Stay in Melbourne in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 24th
Carols by Candlelight
Sidney Myer Music Bowl hosts this 85-year tradition on Christmas Eve. 10,000 people singing carols under the stars. Bring your own candles (sold at gates) and arrive by 6pm for decent lawn spots. The event raises millions for Vision Australia and features major Australian performers.
Mid December
Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs
December 15-22 at Melbourne Park. Watch future tennis stars battle for main draw spots. Free entry at Court 3, and you'll see players ranked 200-400 who play with desperate intensity. The playoffs determine who faces Federer/Nadal in January.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Melbourne Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Tram conductors sell daily Myki cards but won't give change. Buy at 7-Eleven instead where you can use cards. Faster. Simpler.
The 96 tram to St Kilda gets packed after 10am. Locals take the 12 which runs parallel and drops you closer to the beach. Smarter.
Degraves Street looks charming but locals avoid it. Prices are 40% higher than Centre Place, just 50 meters (164 ft) away. Walk further. Save.
December's 'cool change' hits around 4pm when bay breezes drop temperatures 8°C (14°F) in 20 minutes. Always carry a layer. Shivering sucks.
Myer's Christmas windows unveil November 9th but December 23rd is the quietest viewing day. Families are traveling. No queues. Better photos.
The best public toilets are in the State Library dome. Free, clean, never a queue unlike Federation Square's facilities. Relief guaranteed.
Avoid These Mistakes
Planning outdoor activities 2-5pm. This is thunderstorm prime time in December, book indoor alternatives. Lightning kills. Stay dry.
Wearing thongs (flip-flops) in the city. Melbourne's laneways have broken glass and you'll walk 15km (9.3 miles) daily. Blisters hurt. Upgrade shoes.
Assuming Christmas means winter. You'll sunburn wearing Christmas sweaters in 24°C (75°F) heat that locals find normal. Sweat stains. Embrace summer.
Book Experiences in Melbourne
Top-rated things to do in Melbourne this December
Explore More Activities in Melbourne
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Melbourne.
See All Melbourne Tours on Viator